Digital exclusion and the cost of living
This submission to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee by the Rural Services Network (RSN) highlights the persistent digital exclusion challenges faced by rural communities in England. The evidence underscores how inadequate broadband and mobile connectivity, coupled with affordability issues and demographic factors, exacerbate social and economic inequalities in rural regions. Author(s): House […]
New Entrants and Young Farmers Start-Up Grant Schemes: Evaluation
The schemes successfully supported 254 new entrants into agriculture but faced challenges in encouraging a younger generation of farmers due to limited impact and industry-wide issues. With the closure of the schemes in 2018, it’s unclear whether the supported ventures will be profitable in the long run. Challenges in obtaining land and achieving profitability suggest […]
Delivering a new rural policy framework for Northern Ireland
A proposed rural policy for Northern Ireland emphasizes community empowerment through grassroots involvement, trust-building, and inclusive decision-making. The framework advocates for reduced bureaucracy, decentralized decision-making, and a flexible, partnership-driven approach that values local knowledge and actively involves diverse community actors. Author(s): Rural Community Network Year: 2022
Unleashing rural opportunity
Unleashing Rural Opportunity centers on four key priorities for enhancing rural prosperity, aligned with current policies to improve quality of life in rural areas. These priorities are: boosting the rural economy, improving connectivity, ensuring accessible home energy, and building stronger communities. Initiatives will focus on job creation, infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and tackling rural crime to […]
Spatial disparities in SME productivity in England
Boosting productivity is essential for UK growth, yet low-productivity SMEs and regional disparities remain. Theories point to factors like industrial dynamics, agglomeration, institutions, and firm resources. Empirical analysis requires understanding hierarchical complexities. This study uses nested multilevel regression to examine how location influences SME productivity, providing insights into productivity drivers across varied local contexts. Author(s): […]
